Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Roll-Ups | Easy Pasta Dinner Recipe
Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Roll-Ups: A
Creamy, Flavor-Packed Italian-Inspired Dinner
If you're looking for a comforting
pasta dish that's elegant enough for entertaining yet easy enough for a
weeknight dinner, Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Roll-Ups are the
perfect choice. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy ricotta cheese,
savory sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella wrapped inside delicate
lasagna noodles, this recipe delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna in a
beautifully portioned and easy-to-serve format.
Unlike traditional layered lasagna,
lasagna roll-ups are individually rolled portions, making them easier to
assemble, bake, and serve. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes brings a rich,
concentrated tomato flavor that pairs wonderfully with chicken and creamy
cheeses. Every bite offers a delicious balance of savory, cheesy, and
herb-infused goodness.
Whether you're preparing a family
dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests at a gathering, these
Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Roll-Ups are guaranteed to impress.
What Are Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna
Roll-Ups?
Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna
Roll-Ups are a variation of traditional lasagna where cooked lasagna noodles
are filled with a creamy chicken and cheese mixture, rolled individually,
placed in a baking dish, topped with sauce and cheese, and baked until bubbly
and golden.
The filling typically includes:
- Cooked chicken
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic
- Italian herbs
The result is a hearty pasta dish that's packed with flavor and easy to portion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easier
Than Traditional Lasagna
Individual rolls simplify serving
and portion control.
Rich
and Creamy
The cheese filling creates a
luxurious texture.
Packed
with Flavor
Sun-dried tomatoes add depth and a
gourmet touch.
Family-Friendly
A meal that both kids and adults
enjoy.
Great
for Meal Prep
Stores and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 6 people.
For
the Lasagna Roll-Ups
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
For
the Sauce
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For
Topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment Needed
You'll need:
- Large pot
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Aluminum foil
Why Sun-Dried Tomatoes Elevate This Recipe
Sun-dried tomatoes offer a unique
flavor profile that differs from fresh tomatoes.
Concentrated
Flavor
Drying intensifies their natural
sweetness and richness.
Chewy
Texture
Adds a pleasant contrast to the
creamy filling.
Gourmet
Appeal
Creates a restaurant-quality taste.
Perfect
Pairing
Works beautifully with chicken and
cheese.
Choosing the Best Chicken
Several options work well in this
recipe.
Rotisserie
Chicken
Convenient and flavorful.
Grilled
Chicken
Adds smoky depth.
Poached
Chicken
Tender and mild.
Leftover
Roasted Chicken
An excellent way to reduce food
waste.
Preparing the Lasagna Noodles
Step
1: Boil the Noodles
Cook lasagna noodles according to
package instructions until al dente.
Avoid overcooking.
Step
2: Drain and Cool
Drain the noodles and rinse briefly
with cool water.
Lay them flat on parchment paper or
a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
Making the Chicken Filling
Step
1: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Shredded chicken
- Ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Egg
Mix until fully combined.
Step
2: Taste and Adjust
If desired, add extra herbs or
seasoning.
The filling should be flavorful
before assembly.
Preparing the Baking Dish
Step
1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to:
375°F (190°C)
Step
2: Add Sauce
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce
evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
This prevents sticking and keeps the
roll-ups moist.
Assembling the Roll-Ups
Step
1: Spread the Filling
Lay one lasagna noodle flat.
Spread approximately 3 tablespoons
of filling evenly across the noodle.
Step
2: Roll Carefully
Starting from one end, gently roll
the noodle into a spiral.
Step
3: Place in Baking Dish
Arrange the roll-ups seam-side down
in the prepared baking dish.
Repeat with remaining noodles.
Adding the Sauce and Cheese
Step
1: Top with Marinara Sauce
Pour the remaining marinara sauce
evenly over the roll-ups.
Step
2: Add Cheese
Sprinkle with:
- Remaining mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Cover the dish with foil.
Baking Instructions
Bake covered for:
25 minutes
Remove the foil and continue baking
for:
10–15 minutes
Until the cheese is melted and
lightly golden.
Allow the dish to rest for 10
minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Lasagna Roll-Ups
Don't
Overcook the Noodles
Al dente noodles are easier to roll.
Use
Room-Temperature Ricotta
Creates a smoother filling.
Drain
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Excess oil can make the filling
greasy.
Let
the Dish Rest
Resting helps the roll-ups hold
their shape.
Use
Freshly Grated Cheese
Melts better and provides superior
flavor.
Delicious Variations
Spinach
Chicken Roll-Ups
Add 2 cups of chopped spinach to the
filling.
Alfredo
Version
Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce.
Three-Cheese
Roll-Ups
Add provolone or fontina cheese.
Spicy
Italian Style
Add crushed red pepper flakes.
Mushroom
Chicken Roll-Ups
Include sautéed mushrooms in the
filling.
Best Side Dishes
Serve these roll-ups with:
Garlic
Bread
Perfect for enjoying extra sauce.
Caesar
Salad
A crisp and refreshing contrast.
Roasted
Vegetables
Adds color and nutrition.
Italian
Green Beans
Simple and flavorful.
Antipasto
Platter
Ideal for entertaining.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish offers several nutritional
advantages.
Chicken
Provides
- Lean protein
- B vitamins
- Selenium
Sun-Dried
Tomatoes Offer
- Lycopene
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
Cheese
Contains
- Calcium
- Protein
Herbs
Add
- Flavor without excess calories
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight
container for up to:
4 days
Freezing
Freeze before or after baking for up
to:
3 months
Reheating
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated
through or microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can
I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes.
Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can
I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Traditional noodles are recommended
for easier rolling.
Can
I Substitute Cottage Cheese?
Yes.
Cottage cheese can replace ricotta.
What
Marinara Sauce Works Best?
Use a high-quality homemade or
store-bought marinara.
Can
I Use Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely.
Cooked turkey works very well.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna
Roll-Ups are a delicious twist on classic
lasagna, combining tender chicken, creamy ricotta, savory sun-dried tomatoes,
and melted cheese into perfectly portioned pasta rolls. Easy to prepare,
freezer-friendly, and packed with Italian-inspired flavors, this recipe is
ideal for family dinners, meal prep, and entertaining.
Whether paired with a crisp salad,
garlic bread, or roasted vegetables, these cheesy lasagna roll-ups deliver
comfort and elegance in every bite. Once you try them, they're sure to become a
favorite addition to your pasta recipe collection.
